Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Ashley Smith Robinson gave a 'soundbite' so powerful during her interview recently on the daytime television talk show "The View", that I knew I had to open with those words. That simple sentence ISeverything and captures (no pun intended) the essence of the movie that tells the tale of a very harrowing experience that her quick thinking and her faith got her safely out of.

Can God and a Book Save YOUR Life?

ABOUT:

Captive is a crime-drama thriller directed by Jerry Jameson which is based on the non-fiction book Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero
by Ashley Smith. A very much true story about Brian Nichols (played in the movie David Oyelowo) who escapes from the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta - where he was on trial for a rape case (March 11, 2005) and holds Ashley Smith (played by Kate Mara) hostage. During Brian's escape he murders Judge Rowland Barnes, court reporter Julie Brandau and shoots Sergeant Hoyt Teasley while making his escape. He also kills Agent David G. Wilhelm. Brian kidnaps Ashley to use as a hostage. He manages to elude a statewide manhunt and takes Ashley who is a single mother struggling with Meth Addiction (at THAT time) hostage in HER OWN apartment. Over the course of the hours she is held hostage, Ashley desperately uses a book she had been given (one that she rejected when it was first offered to her, but thankfully the person was persistent), Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life - What On Earth Am I Here For?
and reads from it as a way to reason with her captor who held her captive for SEVEN hours - with surprising results.

TRAILER:

SEE IT FIRST:

TODAY!!!!

Be the first to see the movie "Captive" at one-night only "Captive: Night Of Purpose" Events at Theaters Across the U.S. on Thursday, September 17th! Experience EXCLUSIVE content and conversations (moderated by Gayle King) with the Film's Cast (stars David Oyelowo and Kate Mara) and Filmmakers (Producer Terry Botwick) starting at 7:00 p.m. at participating theaters across the United States. For a list of participating theaters visit: http://captivemovieresources.com/nightofpurposeChurches and Community Groups can host their own 'Night of Purpose Event'. Buy blocks of tickets or rent out a theater, learn more at http://captivemovieresources.com/hostapremiere or email info@captivemovieresources.com

Left: The real Ashley Smith Robinson now, Right: Actor David Oyelowo who plays her captor Brian Nichols in the movie Captive, in theaters September 18, 2015

MY TAKE:

This isn't a movie someone can give a 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' rating on, this is a TRUE STORY. This is Ashley's story. It's raw and honest. Her life is an open book and I can't imagine that being easy. Overcoming addiction, adjusting to life as a single mother and the night you start getting your new place ready for your little one and you, someone turns your world upside down and holds you hostage. In your own home. Think about that for a moment. Who needs a horror movie, when 'real life' provides the material for a nightmare come true?

Oddly shortly after seeing the press screening for this movie, I experienced being followed into my apartment complex, while it didn't get as bad as Ashley's ordeal (THANK GOD), writing this post was a bit difficult to do.

Want more of the story? You can find out where they are now by watching the all-new season of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" which premieres on Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 PM on the OWN Television Network. (On the episode Ashley will meet her captor Brian's mother, Claritha Nichols for the first time!)

Today's Talking Points/Call to Action:

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Please share it's title and author with us! Is there a book you constantly re-read? (does it seem like a new book each time? Reading a book you love with a large gap makes the book feel different, because you are different person in many ways from the last time you read it!) Has your Faith helped you get out of a difficult period in your life?˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received. All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I attended a Press Screening of the movie Captive. There are Amazon Affiliate Links in this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Sounds like a harrowing story. I'm always amazed at stories like this and that someone actually lived through it. I don't think I have a book that dramatically changed my life. I like reading a lot of biographies and the classics.

Oh. What! I love (but not love) these type of movies, and books. I obviously hate that any of this happens to real people, but hearing what they've overcome and all they had to go through.... really blows my mind and is life changing. I will have to see this. - Jeanine

@Jeanine - It's amazing what people are able to endure and overcome. And it's also a wonderful reminder on just how powerful our words really are! That booked saved her in so many ways, and when it was first given to her, she literally threw it out!

Sounds like something I would really enjoy. I really like documentaries and used to read a lot... I cant think of a specific book to recommend though but the last documentary I saw that has stuck in my head is called "I am big bird". A great show about the guy who has been playing Big Bird.

@Kristi - They say the best writers are avid readers, I would highly agree with that! I even have an entire Pinterest Board devoted to Books and Reading Inspirations. I would love to see the story behind Big Bird and who plays him! He was one of my Sesame Street fave characters, I will have to look for that!

Wait you said someone was following you after the pre-screening to this? I hope you are ok and nothing bad happened...otherwise this looks like an edge of you seat type of film I am sure it is "Captivating".

@Kiwi, not the same night, about a week later. I think the person was in the hallway and was just plain waiting. I never heard anyone come in after me and he 'appeared' when I reached the 4th floor, he was a half flight behind me. I short stopped and despite holding a pizza box in one hand and a grocery bag in the other, I stared him in the face and reached into my purse without ever breaking eye contact. I walk around 'prepared' in this neighborhood, he picked the wrong one. He high tailed and ran downstairs. I am OK thanks God, but seriously ready to MOVE! (I have studied Martial Arts since I was younger and have taken quite a few 'self and street defense' courses. I like knowing I am prepared, I just never want to have to use it!)

@Theresa They are going to feature Ashley on OWN this week and I definitely plan to watch, I remember when the story broke, and the fact that she is going to meet her captors mother in person is just too compelling to miss!

The book that I would say changed my life was "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino. It teaches a lot about life, perseverance, and faith. I can read and re-read this book my entire life. The lessons in the Scrolls are applicable to modern day life.

About Me:

Ascending Butterfly is a LIFESTYLE Blog. While it's Founder/Editor is in full possession of a Uterus, she doesn't choose to use it, keep that in mind before hitting send on your next pitch. We focus on Travel, Spirits, All things Foodie, Photography, Beauty, Fashion, Eco Friendly, with a mind, body,and soul approach to wellness and well-being.